US2664618A - Electrical contact - Google Patents
Electrical contact Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US2664618A US2664618A US532377A US53237744A US2664618A US 2664618 A US2664618 A US 2664618A US 532377 A US532377 A US 532377A US 53237744 A US53237744 A US 53237744A US 2664618 A US2664618 A US 2664618A
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- silver
- contact
- electrical contact
- weight
- electrical
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 claims description 25
- 229910052709 silver Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 22
- 239000004332 silver Substances 0.000 claims description 22
- 229910000476 molybdenum oxide Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 12
- PQQKPALAQIIWST-UHFFFAOYSA-N oxomolybdenum Chemical compound [Mo]=O PQQKPALAQIIWST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 12
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 8
- 229910052799 carbon Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 8
- BQCADISMDOOEFD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silver Chemical compound [Ag] BQCADISMDOOEFD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 20
- PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Nickel Chemical compound [Ni] PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 12
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 7
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 description 7
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 description 7
- 229910045601 alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 6
- 239000000956 alloy Substances 0.000 description 6
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 6
- 229910052759 nickel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 6
- BASFCYQUMIYNBI-UHFFFAOYSA-N platinum Chemical compound [Pt] BASFCYQUMIYNBI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- PCHJSUWPFVWCPO-UHFFFAOYSA-N gold Chemical compound [Au] PCHJSUWPFVWCPO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 229910052737 gold Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 239000010931 gold Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 3
- 229910052697 platinum Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910001316 Ag alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- ZOKXTWBITQBERF-UHFFFAOYSA-N Molybdenum Chemical compound [Mo] ZOKXTWBITQBERF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000002411 adverse Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002844 melting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008018 melting Effects 0.000 description 1
- 150000002739 metals Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052750 molybdenum Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011733 molybdenum Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000007935 neutral effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910000510 noble metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- -1 platinum group metals Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000004663 powder metallurgy Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000087 stabilizing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H1/00—Contacts
- H01H1/02—Contacts characterised by the material thereof
- H01H1/021—Composite material
- H01H1/023—Composite material having a noble metal as the basic material
- H01H1/0237—Composite material having a noble metal as the basic material and containing oxides
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
- Y10S428/922—Static electricity metal bleed-off metallic stock
- Y10S428/9265—Special properties
- Y10S428/929—Electrical contact feature
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S75/00—Specialized metallurgical processes, compositions for use therein, consolidated metal powder compositions, and loose metal particulate mixtures
- Y10S75/95—Consolidated metal powder compositions of >95% theoretical density, e.g. wrought
- Y10S75/951—Oxide containing, e.g. dispersion strengthened
Definitions
- This invention relates to electrical contacts, particularly, contacts used in apparatus wherein the contact pressure is fairly high.
- One of the objects of this invention is toprovide electrical contacts having :a relatively high resistance to welding and transfer.
- Another object of this invention is to provide electrical contacts having a relatively constant contact resistance.
- a further object of this invention is to provide electrical contacts formed of a composition consisting of a major portion of silver and which has a much higher resistance to electrical errosion than contacts formed of silver.
- the present invention contemplates the addition of from the lowest useful amounts up to about 50% molybdenum oxide to silver and silverbase alloys.
- Molybdenum oxide increases appreciably the contact resistance of silver and silver-base alloys; however, the increase is not objectionable where the contact pressure is relatively high. Although the contact resistance is somewhat higher, I have found that the presence of molybdenum oxide serves to maintain the contact resistance relatively constant throughout the life of the contacts. Compositions containing molybdenum oxide have a very high resistance to welding and an exceptionally low transfer tendency.
- a further improvement in the wear resistance and hardness of the composition may be efl'ected by adding small amounts of nickel, for example up to about 5%. Substantially large amounts are not desired since such amounts would increase appreciably the electrical resistance of the composition and substantially increase the electrical errosion due to excessive arcing.
- the carbon may be use-d very small amounts, i have found'that "the small amounts are very effective in lowering the con tact resistance of the compositions and in stabilizing the contact resistance.
- I may employ copper, nickel or carbon or mixtures of two of the substances or all three of these substances in producing compositions having the desired mechanical properties.
- compositions contemplated by the present invention are well suited for use in apparatus such as relays, switches, circuit breakers and the like, wherein an appreciable contact pressure is used and where the contacts are normally closed.
- the contacts are prepared according to well-known powder metallurgy methods. In those instances where small amounts of nickel and copper are employed, the nickel or copper may be first alloyed with silver and the resulting product finely comminuted and mixed with the molybdenum oxide. The resulting mixture is molded or pressed to form the compact which is then sintered at an appropriate temperature to form a substantially solid body.
- the compositions are preferably sintered in a neutral atmosphere but may be sintered under a vacuum, if desired. A slight reduction of the molybdenum oxide may occur if a reducing atmosphere is used in the sintered operation; however, a slight reduction of the oxide to molybdenum will not afiect adversely the properties of the compositions.
- An electrical contact suitable for use in apparatus such as relays, switches, circuit breakers and the like, wherein an appreciable contact pressure is used, said contact having an electrical contact surface and being made of a compacted, sintered and non-porous composition consisting of silver, molybdenum oxide in an amount up to about 50% by weight of the silver, and from 0 to about 5% by Weight each of copper, nickel and carbon, based on the weight of the contact composition.
Landscapes
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Composite Materials (AREA)
- Materials Engineering (AREA)
- Contacts (AREA)
Description
Patented Jan. 5, 1954 UNETED steel Metallurgical:Crporation, NorthGhica'go, Ill., acorporat'ion of New York No Drawing. Application April 22-, 1944,
. Serial No. 532,377
4 Claims. 1
This invention relates to electrical contacts, particularly, contacts used in apparatus wherein the contact pressure is fairly high.
One of the objects of this invention is toprovide electrical contacts having :a relatively high resistance to welding and transfer.
Another object of this invention is to provide electrical contacts having a relatively constant contact resistance.
A further object of this invention is to provide electrical contacts formed of a composition consisting of a major portion of silver and which has a much higher resistance to electrical errosion than contacts formed of silver.
Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from a consideration of the description and claims which follow.
The present invention contemplates the addition of from the lowest useful amounts up to about 50% molybdenum oxide to silver and silverbase alloys.
The desirable improvements in electrical contact characteristics are also effected by the incorportion of like amounts of molybdenum oxide in alloys of silver with other metals such as gold and the platinum group metals.
Molybdenum oxide increases appreciably the contact resistance of silver and silver-base alloys; however, the increase is not objectionable where the contact pressure is relatively high. Although the contact resistance is somewhat higher, I have found that the presence of molybdenum oxide serves to maintain the contact resistance relatively constant throughout the life of the contacts. Compositions containing molybdenum oxide have a very high resistance to welding and an exceptionally low transfer tendency.
Small amounts of copper, that is up to about 5% by weight of the composition, may be added to improve the resistance of the contacts to mechanical wear and to harden the composition. Large amounts of copper are not desired since such amounts reduce the melting point of the silver, thereby greatly increasing the tendency of the contacts to weld, arc and erode.
A further improvement in the wear resistance and hardness of the composition may be efl'ected by adding small amounts of nickel, for example up to about 5%. Substantially large amounts are not desired since such amounts would increase appreciably the electrical resistance of the composition and substantially increase the electrical errosion due to excessive arcing.
Small proportions of carbon,
for example up to about 5%,
may be added to improve the wear re'esistanc'e of the composition -and substantially improve the non welding pro erties ofthe com= position. Although the carbon may be use-d very small amounts, i have found'that "the small amounts are very effective in lowering the con tact resistance of the compositions and in stabilizing the contact resistance.
In the preparation of the compositions of this invention, I may employ copper, nickel or carbon or mixtures of two of the substances or all three of these substances in producing compositions having the desired mechanical properties.
Electrical contacts prepared from compositions contemplated by the present invention are well suited for use in apparatus such as relays, switches, circuit breakers and the like, wherein an appreciable contact pressure is used and where the contacts are normally closed. The contacts are prepared according to well-known powder metallurgy methods. In those instances where small amounts of nickel and copper are employed, the nickel or copper may be first alloyed with silver and the resulting product finely comminuted and mixed with the molybdenum oxide. The resulting mixture is molded or pressed to form the compact which is then sintered at an appropriate temperature to form a substantially solid body. The compositions are preferably sintered in a neutral atmosphere but may be sintered under a vacuum, if desired. A slight reduction of the molybdenum oxide may occur if a reducing atmosphere is used in the sintered operation; however, a slight reduction of the oxide to molybdenum will not afiect adversely the properties of the compositions.
I claim:
1. An electrical contact suitable for use in apparatus such as relays, switches, circuit breakers and the like, wherein an appreciable contact pressure is used, said contact having an electrical contact surface and being made of a compacted, sintered and non-porous composition containing silver, molybdenum oxide in an amount up to about 50% by Weight of the silver, and carbon in an amount up to about 5% by weight of the contact composition.
2. An electrical contact suitable for use in apparatus such as relays, switches, circuit breakers and the like, wherein an appreciable contact pressure is used, said contact having an electrical contact surface and being made of a compacted, sintered and non-porous composition consisting of silver, molybdenum oxide in an amount up to about 50% by weight of the silver, and from 0 to about 5% by Weight each of copper, nickel and carbon, based on the weight of the contact composition.
3. An electrical contact suitable for use in apparatus such as relays, switches, circuit breakers and the like, wherein an appreciable contact pressure is used, having an electrical contact surface, said contact being made of a compacted, sintered and non-porous composition containing an electrical contact material of the class consisting of silver and a silver base alloy electrical contact material consisting of silver and a noble 7 metal selected from the class consisting of gold and platinum, from to about by Weight each of copper, nickel and carbon, based on the weight of the contact composition, and molybdenum oxide in an amount up to about 50% by weight of the said silver or silver base alloy contact material.
4. An electrical contact suitable for use in apparatus such as relays, switches, circuit breakers and the like, wherein an appreciable contact pressure is used, said contact having an electrical contact surface and being made of a compacted, sintered and non-porous composition containing an electrical contact material of the class con- 4 sisting of silver and a silver base alloy electrical contact material consisting of silver and a noble metal selected from the class consisting of gold and platinum, molybdenum oxide in an amount up to about by weight of the said silver or silver base alloy contact material, and carbon in an amount up to about 5% by weight of the contact composition.
JOHN D. KLEIS.
References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,937,381 Bond et a1. Nov. 28, 1933 1,986,210 Maas Jan. 1, 1934 2,005,645 Bond et a1 June 18, 1935 2,057,604 Zickrick Oct. 13, 1936 2,145,690 Hensel Jan. 31, 1939 2,151,905 Emmert Mar. 28, 1939 2,200,854 Ruben May 14, 1940 2,200,855 Ruben May 14, 1940 2,255,120 Kiefer Sept. 9, 1941 2,394,501 Weiller Feb. 5, 1946 2,396,101
Hensel et a1 Mar. 5, 1946
Claims (1)
1. AN ELECTRICAL CONTACT SUITABLE FOR USE IN APPARATUS SUCH AS RELAYS SWITCHES, CIRCUIT BREAKERS AND THE LIKE, WHEREIN AN APRECIABLE CONTACT PRESSURE IS USED, SAID CONTACT HAVING AN ELECTRICAL CONTACT SURFACE AND BEING MADE OF A COMPACTED, SINTERED AND NON-POROUS COMPOSITION CONTAINING SILVER, MOLYBDENUM OXIDE IN AN AMOUNT UP TO ABOUT 50% BY WEIGHT OF THE SILVER, AND CARBON IN AN AMOUNT UP TO ABOUT 5% BY WEIGHT OF THE CONTACT COMPOSITION.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US532377A US2664618A (en) | 1944-04-22 | 1944-04-22 | Electrical contact |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US532377A US2664618A (en) | 1944-04-22 | 1944-04-22 | Electrical contact |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| US2664618A true US2664618A (en) | 1954-01-05 |
Family
ID=24121521
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| US532377A Expired - Lifetime US2664618A (en) | 1944-04-22 | 1944-04-22 | Electrical contact |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US2664618A (en) |
Cited By (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2818633A (en) * | 1955-03-02 | 1958-01-07 | Gibson Electric Company | Electrical contact |
| US3045332A (en) * | 1955-01-28 | 1962-07-24 | Gen Electric | Bonding member |
| US3841869A (en) * | 1970-10-21 | 1974-10-15 | Square D Co | Method of making light-duty electrical contacts composed of silver and ruthenium dioxide |
| US4859238A (en) * | 1987-06-06 | 1989-08-22 | Degussa Aktiengesellschaft | Silver-iron material for electrical contacts |
| US6001149A (en) * | 1996-01-26 | 1999-12-14 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Process for producing a shaped article from contact material based on silver, contact material and shaped article |
| WO2007041431A1 (en) * | 2005-10-03 | 2007-04-12 | Analog Devices, Inc. | Mems switch contact system |
| US20080151464A1 (en) * | 2006-12-22 | 2008-06-26 | Analog Devices, Inc. | Method and Apparatus for Driving a Switch |
| US20100068854A1 (en) * | 2005-10-03 | 2010-03-18 | Analog Devices, Inc. | MEMS Switch Capping and Passivation Method |
Citations (11)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US1937381A (en) * | 1930-04-15 | 1933-11-28 | Du Pont | Oxidation catalyst |
| US1986210A (en) * | 1934-04-20 | 1935-01-01 | Albert W Langkau | Copper alloy for conducting electricity |
| US2005645A (en) * | 1930-04-15 | 1935-06-18 | Du Pont | Process of oxidizing aliphatic alcohols to aldehydes |
| US2057604A (en) * | 1934-05-23 | 1936-10-13 | Gen Electric | Electrical switch contact |
| US2145690A (en) * | 1937-09-24 | 1939-01-31 | Mallory & Co Inc P R | Electric contact material |
| US2151905A (en) * | 1937-09-29 | 1939-03-28 | Mallory & Co Inc P R | Electric contact combination |
| US2200855A (en) * | 1939-05-02 | 1940-05-14 | Ruben Samuel | Electrical contact |
| US2200854A (en) * | 1939-05-02 | 1940-05-14 | Ruben Samuel | Electrical contact |
| US2255120A (en) * | 1939-10-13 | 1941-09-09 | Stackpole Carbon Co | Weldable silver-graphite contact and method of making it |
| US2394501A (en) * | 1942-09-12 | 1946-02-05 | Square D Co | Electrical contact |
| US2396101A (en) * | 1942-10-23 | 1946-03-05 | Mallory & Co Inc P R | Electrical contact |
-
1944
- 1944-04-22 US US532377A patent/US2664618A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Patent Citations (11)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US1937381A (en) * | 1930-04-15 | 1933-11-28 | Du Pont | Oxidation catalyst |
| US2005645A (en) * | 1930-04-15 | 1935-06-18 | Du Pont | Process of oxidizing aliphatic alcohols to aldehydes |
| US1986210A (en) * | 1934-04-20 | 1935-01-01 | Albert W Langkau | Copper alloy for conducting electricity |
| US2057604A (en) * | 1934-05-23 | 1936-10-13 | Gen Electric | Electrical switch contact |
| US2145690A (en) * | 1937-09-24 | 1939-01-31 | Mallory & Co Inc P R | Electric contact material |
| US2151905A (en) * | 1937-09-29 | 1939-03-28 | Mallory & Co Inc P R | Electric contact combination |
| US2200855A (en) * | 1939-05-02 | 1940-05-14 | Ruben Samuel | Electrical contact |
| US2200854A (en) * | 1939-05-02 | 1940-05-14 | Ruben Samuel | Electrical contact |
| US2255120A (en) * | 1939-10-13 | 1941-09-09 | Stackpole Carbon Co | Weldable silver-graphite contact and method of making it |
| US2394501A (en) * | 1942-09-12 | 1946-02-05 | Square D Co | Electrical contact |
| US2396101A (en) * | 1942-10-23 | 1946-03-05 | Mallory & Co Inc P R | Electrical contact |
Cited By (11)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3045332A (en) * | 1955-01-28 | 1962-07-24 | Gen Electric | Bonding member |
| US2818633A (en) * | 1955-03-02 | 1958-01-07 | Gibson Electric Company | Electrical contact |
| US3841869A (en) * | 1970-10-21 | 1974-10-15 | Square D Co | Method of making light-duty electrical contacts composed of silver and ruthenium dioxide |
| US4859238A (en) * | 1987-06-06 | 1989-08-22 | Degussa Aktiengesellschaft | Silver-iron material for electrical contacts |
| US6001149A (en) * | 1996-01-26 | 1999-12-14 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Process for producing a shaped article from contact material based on silver, contact material and shaped article |
| WO2007041431A1 (en) * | 2005-10-03 | 2007-04-12 | Analog Devices, Inc. | Mems switch contact system |
| US20070115082A1 (en) * | 2005-10-03 | 2007-05-24 | Analog Devices, Inc. | MEMS Switch Contact System |
| US20100068854A1 (en) * | 2005-10-03 | 2010-03-18 | Analog Devices, Inc. | MEMS Switch Capping and Passivation Method |
| US7968364B2 (en) | 2005-10-03 | 2011-06-28 | Analog Devices, Inc. | MEMS switch capping and passivation method |
| US20080151464A1 (en) * | 2006-12-22 | 2008-06-26 | Analog Devices, Inc. | Method and Apparatus for Driving a Switch |
| US8194382B2 (en) | 2006-12-22 | 2012-06-05 | Analog Devices, Inc. | Method and apparatus for driving a switch |
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